LHC refers election symbol case to larger bench

Petitioner sought declaration from court stating withdrawal of election symbols as 'unconstitutional'

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has referred the case concerning the withdrawal of election symbols from political parties to a larger bench for further consideration.

During proceedings, the government's legal representative informed the court that similar petitions were awaiting adjudication before a larger bench, urging the two-member bench to refer the case to the larger bench for a comprehensive review.

The appeal, filed by advocate Azhar Siddique, challenges the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) authority to withdraw election symbols, arguing that such powers are inconsistent with the constitution.
The petition argued that the electoral body’s primary responsibility is to ensure transparent elections, not to impose punitive measures.

The petitioner seeks a declaration from the court stating the withdrawal of election symbols as unconstitutional and null and void.

It contended that the right to contest elections under a common symbol should not be deprived, asserting that the ECP, as a constitutional body, does not possess judicial authority. Any encroachment on fundamental rights by the ECP is deemed illegal under Article 8 of the Constitution.

It is noteworthy that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) contested the February 8 elections without an electoral symbol, following a protracted legal dispute over its failure to conduct intra-party elections.